NON-COMPETITIVE

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION

Title: Murine DNA Methylation Array Processing and Epigenetic Clock Analysis

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is 75N98026Q01209/PCA-NIA-08501. This solicitation is issued as a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a non-competitive combined synopsis/solicitation to award a contract or purchase order without providing for full and open competition (including brand-name, if applicable).

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 12.603, Streamlined Solicitation for Commercial Products or Commercial Services, and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Additional authority includes 41 U.S.C. 1901 and FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii).

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director, Office of Acquisitions, intends to negotiate and award a firm fix-price award on a non-competitive basis to Epigenetic Clock Development Foundation 1124 W. Carson Street, MRL Bldg., 3rd Floor Torrance, CA 90502 US to provide obtain DNA methylation profiling and epigenetic age analysis for 320 previously extracted murine DNA samples using the Mammal320K methylation array and established Horvath epigenetic clock methodologies.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular March 2026.

(iv) The associated NAICS code is 541715, and the small business size standard is Other Small Business.

This requirement is NOT set aside for small business.

(v) Description of Requirement:

The contractor shall serve as the sole provider of DNA methylation array processing and epigenetic clock analysis services for the samples described herein.

NIA will provide 320 previously extracted and purified murine DNA samples packaged in standard 2 mL cryovials and shipped under appropriate conditions. The sample set includes:

80 longitudinal blood-derived DNA samples; and

240 endpoint tissue-derived DNA samples collected from the following organs:

• Lung

• Spleen

• Heart

• Kidney

• Brain

• Liver

• Gastrocnemius muscle

• Hamstring muscle

The contractor shall:

Receive and verify all submitted DNA samples.

Perform DNA methylation profiling using the Mammal320K methylation array platform.

Conduct quality control assessment and processing of array data.

Generate raw methylation datasets for all successfully processed samples.

Apply established Horvath epigenetic clock algorithms and associated analytical methods to determine biological age estimates.

Perform bioinformatic analyses necessary to support interpretation of biological aging outcomes across experimental groups.

Provide processed datasets suitable for downstream statistical analyses and comparison of biological aging trajectories among the study cohorts.

Deliverables

The contractor shall provide the following deliverables for all successfully processed samples:

Raw methylation array data files.

Quality control and processing documentation.

Computed biological age estimates derived from Horvath epigenetic clock analyses.

Associated bioinformatic output files and summary analyses.

Data tables formatted for direct comparison across:

Normoxic Control

Intermittent Hypoxia

Intermittent Hyperoxia and across both adult and longest-lived age groups.

Performing the methylation array assay and reporting must include the following individual components:

Bisulfite conversion of extracted DNA (ideally >250ng) using a Zymo EZ DNA methylation kit for downstream processing by either DNA methylation array technology.

Illumina Horwath Mammalian Methylation Chip array kits, which include all the reagents required for DNA amplification, labeling, and array.

Scanning of the completed Beadchip arrays for raw DNA methylation readout.

Statistical analysis of measures of epigenetic aging for the respective species tested (in this case murine), an analysis of treatment vs. control conditions (Normoxic Control, Intermittent Hypoxia, and Intermittent Hyperoxia), and an analysis of any available meta-data for associations with changes to epigenetic aging.

All deliverables shall be provided electronically in mutually agreed-upon formats.

Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall begin upon receipt of samples and execution of the award and continue through completion and delivery of all required analyses and datasets.

(vi) Delivery Location:

NIH/NIA

251 Bayview Blvd STE 200

BRC Bldg. RM 10C009

Baltimore MD 21224

(viii) FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management, applies to this acquisition.

(ix) The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. Add any additional instructions as required.

(x) The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(a) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, issued to the successful offeror within the time specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

The Government reserves the right to accept any offer (or part of an offer) before the expiration date, whether or not discussions are conducted, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received prior to award. Add additional evaluation criteria as required.

(xi) FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(xii) Additional contract requirements or terms and conditions, as determined necessary by the Contracting Officer and consistent with customary commercial practices: None.

(xiii) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable to this requirement.

(xiv) Submission Requirements:

Responses must include sufficient information to demonstrate the respondent’s capability to provide the required product or service. Price quotations shall include, at a minimum: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, delivery timeframe after award, delivery terms, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. point (destination or origin), product or catalog numbers, product descriptions, and any other relevant information.

Evaluation factors may include, but are not limited to: past performance, technical capability, special features, trade-in considerations, expected lifecycle, warranty, maintenance availability, and environmental or energy efficiency considerations.

Respondents claiming to be manufacturers or authorized resellers of a specified brand-name product must provide:

(a) Product, catalog, model, and/or part number(s);

(b) Product description;

(c) Documentation demonstrating that the offered item meets all required salient characteristics;

(d) Quantity;

(e) Estimated price or cost;

(f) Shipping, handling, and/or installation charges; and

(g) Delivery timeframe after receipt of order.

Responses must also include the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and business size certification. All offerors must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.

All responses must be received by (September 23rd, 2026, 2PM, EST) and must reference solicitation number 75N98026Q01209/PCA-NIA-08501. Responses may be submitted electronically to johnsonjr@mail.nih.gov.

(xv) Point of Contact:

John Johnson, Program Specialist, 667-312-5580, and johnsonjr@mail.nih.gov mailto:johnsonjr@mail.nih.gov

Statement of Work (SOW) Title Murine DNA Methylation Array Processing and Epigenetic Clock Analysis for Assessment of Biological Aging Across Experimental Oxygen Exposure Conditions

Background The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is conducting studies to evaluate the effects of distinct oxygen exposure environments on biological aging trajectories in murine models. To support these investigations, NIA has generated a collection of previously extracted DNA samples from longitudinal blood collections and endpoint tissue harvests. Analysis of these samples using a validated, highly conserved mammalian DNA methylation platform and established epigenetic clock methodologies is required to ensure consistency with prior NIA-supported research and recently published findings.

Objective The objective of this procurement is to obtain DNA methylation profiling and epigenetic age analysis for 320 previously extracted murine DNA samples using the Mammal320K methylation array and established Horvath epigenetic clock methodologies. The resulting data will be used to evaluate biological aging across three experimental environments—Normoxic Control, Intermittent Hypoxia, and Intermittent Hyperoxia—in both adult and longest-lived age cohorts.

Scope of Work The contractor shall serve as the sole provider of DNA methylation array processing and epigenetic clock analysis services for the samples described herein.

NIA will provide 320 previously extracted and purified murine DNA samples packaged in standard 2 mL cryovials and shipped under appropriate conditions. The sample set includes:

• 80 longitudinal blood-derived DNA samples; and

• 240 endpoint tissue-derived DNA samples collected from the following organs:

o Lung o Spleen o Heart o Kidney o Brain o Liver o Gastrocnemius muscle o Hamstring muscle

The contractor shall:

1. Receive and verify all submitted DNA samples.

2. Perform DNA methylation profiling using the Mammal320K methylation array platform.

3. Conduct quality control assessment and processing of array data.

4. Generate raw methylation datasets for all successfully processed samples.

5. Apply established Horvath epigenetic clock algorithms and associated analytical methods to determine biological age estimates.

6. Perform bioinformatic analyses necessary to support interpretation of biological aging outcomes across experimental groups.

7. Provide processed datasets suitable for downstream statistical analyses and comparison of biological aging trajectories among the study cohorts.

Deliverables The contractor shall provide the following deliverables for all successfully processed samples:

1. Raw methylation array data files.

2. Quality control and processing documentation.

3. Computed biological age estimates derived from Horvath epigenetic clock analyses.

4. Associated bioinformatic output files and summary analyses.

5. Data tables formatted for direct comparison across:

o Normoxic Control o Intermittent Hypoxia o Intermittent Hyperoxia and across both adult and longest-lived age groups.

Performing the methylation array assay and reporting must include the following individual components:

1. Bisulfite conversion of extracted DNA (ideally >250ng) using a Zymo EZ DNA methylation kit for downstream processing by either DNA methylation array technology.

2. Illumina Horwath Mammalian Methylation Chip array kits, which include all the reagents required for DNA amplification, labeling, and array.

3. Scanning of the completed Beadchip arrays for raw DNA methylation readout.

4. Statistical analysis of measures of epigenetic aging for the respective species tested

(in this case murine), an analysis of treatment vs. control conditions (Normoxic Control, Intermittent Hypoxia, and Intermittent Hyperoxia), and an analysis of any available meta-data for associations with changes to epigenetic aging.

All deliverables shall be provided electronically in mutually agreed-upon formats.

Period of Performance

The period of performance shall begin upon receipt of samples and execution of the award and continue through completion and delivery of all required analyses and datasets.

Anticipated Schedule for Delivery: Upon receipt of samples, the vendor shall begin the experimental work described and perform the running of the arrays in the next scheduled run.

Provided that the samples received are of sufficient quality for the downstream bisulfite conversion, and array work, the entire process is expected to be completed in approximately 6 weeks.

Government-Furnished Property/Information NIA will provide:

• 320 previously extracted murine DNA samples;

• Sample identification information and associated metadata necessary for analysis; and

• Shipping and handling documentation as required.